Can I Bring My Internet Service to My New Home?

By Laura Goldman

Are you moving to a new home and would like to bring your internet service along with you? The good news is, you’re probably in luck. Unless you’re moving far away from your current home, you can often keep your same internet service provider (ISP)—and you may even be able to negotiate a discount in the process.

Here’s how to move your internet to a new address.

Let your internet service provider know you’re planning to move

At least two weeks before moving day, contact your ISP’s customer service department by phone or online to find out if you can transfer your internet service to your new address.

If the answer is yes—yay!—let your provider know the date you want internet service to end at your current home and to be activated at your new home. Inquire about the internet service at your new location. For example, if you’re currently enjoying the fast speed of fiber, ask whether it’s available. Or if you don’t have fiber internet now, ask if you have the option to upgrade.

Also, find out if you’ll be able to use your same modem and Wi-Fi router at your new place. This is also a good time to check if newer, speedier models are available. If your current equipment isn’t compatible, your ISP will probably provide you with the necessary devices.

Try to negotiate a deal

While you’ve got your ISP’s customer service representative on the line, ask about any available plan discounts or bundling deals. You may also want to inquire about any internet transfer or activation fees they could possibly waive on your behalf.

Negotiating hot tip: If you tell the rep you’re considering changing ISPs to save money, they may be more inclined to offer discounts to keep you as a customer.

Move your modem and router

Congratulations—you get to keep your internet service and you hopefully also scored a discount! If you can use your same modem and router, along with everything else you’re packing, you’ll need to carefully box them up. Ideally, you can use the boxes they came in, if you still happen to have them.

While you can pay for a professional to set up this equipment in your new home, doing it yourself isn’t too difficult or time consuming, as long as the home is already wired for internet service. It’s best to place the router in a central location that is not blocked by obstacles, such as walls or furniture. To make sure your modem works, turn it on to see if it goes online. If it doesn’t, you may need to call in a tech to troubleshoot in person.

Once your internet connection is successfully up and running, go ahead and connect other devices in your new home, such as printers or smart devices, like security cameras and thermostats.

If you’re moving into a larger home, for a better internet connection you may want to consider getting a second router, a Wi-Fi extender or, if it’s available, mesh Wi-Fi.

Once you’ve successfully set up your modem and router, run some internet speed tests to confirm whether you’re actually getting the speed you’re paying for. If it’s slower, try moving the router to a different location and then run the speed test again.

Can’t bring your internet service with you?

Unfortunately, if your current ISP doesn’t provide internet service to your new home, you’ll need to switch providers. You can enter your zip code at HighSpeedInternet.com to search for ISPs in the area and see whether cable, satellite, DSL and/or fiber internet is available.

When shopping for a new ISP plan, consider how you use the internet and how much speed you’ll need. If your family uses multiple devices, you frequently stream HD movies or play video games and you work from home, you’ll want the fastest speeds—even a gigabit or more.

After you choose your new ISP and select the best plan for you, let the provider know the date to activate internet service at your new place, and whether you want professional installation or will do it yourself. Contact your current ISP and tell them the date you want internet service to end at your old home. Also, find out how they want you to return their equipment and settle any payments due on that plan.

Frontier Fiber is built for the way you live today—and tomorrow

If you’re still on the lookout for the right ultrafast internet connection for streaming, gaming, working from home and running your smart new home—all with enough bandwidth for everyone—find out about Frontier Fiber. Frontier Fiber is available in select areas—check here to see if it’s available at your new address. Once you have it, keep your identity and devices protected with Frontier’s security support.

Product features may have changed and are subject to change.